CCTV appeal over attack on partially sighted man on train to Leeds

Police investigating an attack on a partially sighted passenger on a train to Leeds have released a CCTV image of a suspect.

The 49-year-old man, from Loughborough, was on the Northern Rail service from Sheffield on July 4 when he was targeted by a group of men.

British Transport Police investigating officer PC Fiona Poyner said: “The victim was sitting at the back of the train on a folding seat when a group of five to six men, who had been drinking, boarded the service at Barnsley station.

“The victim was called names by the group before being hit on the back of the head by one of them.”

She said the incident was made particularly “frightening” because of the man’s disability.

PC Poyner added: “It has affected his confidence and has proved extremely traumatic for him, resulting in him being afraid to travel on public transport.

“No one should be made to feel like this. Everyone has the right to travel in safety and without fear. It is vital we find those responsible for this cowardly attack.

“We believe the man in the image could have important information about what happened and we urge him or anyone who recognises him to come forward to help us with our enquiries.”

Anyone with information should call BTP on 0800 405040 or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B9 of July 28, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.